We were asked if we could sell our winning "Jamalade" at a very popular farm shop on the Fife coast. Ardross farm shop has a great range of their own and local fruit and veg. together with a comprehensive range of Scottish beers, wines (yes!) and spirits, artisan breads, meats, cheeses and so much more. So we recently went to deliver our first batch of jamalade. Take a look at the farm shop's website http://www.ardrossfarm.co.uk/

Having stocked up on wines, beer, cheeses and vegetables, we thought we'd go on one of our favourite walks round the coast nearby. Bertie dog was, by then, feeling restless and needed the exercise.The walk goes over Kincraig point, near Elie, along part of the Fife coastal path.An alternative route, at the foot of the cliffs between the high and low water marks (we can check the tides!), is the more adventurous "Chain Walk".

The Chain Walk is a small "Via Ferrata" with eight climbs and traverses where chains and footholds carved into the volcanic rocks are used to scramble round the bay. It brings out the adventurous spirit and only needs a moderate level of fitness, agility, head for heights and outdoor footwear (not really suitable for dogs, though, unless carried!).Full details of the walk are on the following website: http://jamescarron.wordpress.com/features/elie-chainwalk-step-by-step-guide/

There are eight sections of stainless steel chain chain, both vertical and horizontal and the views are extensive.

Some of the rock formations have been carved by wind, rain and sea, to look like Easter Island statues

Looking along one of the horizontal chains towards Bass rock and the Lothian Hills south of the Forth

As well as the softer eroded rocks, there are columns of polygonal basalt that rival those on Staffa, Kilt rock on Skye and the Giant's causeway.

As he couldn't negotiate the Chain Walk, Bertie and Helen both took the path over the clifftops with its views of the bay and remains of the large naval guns and coastal defences of the 2nd WW.

As well as interesting geology, birdlife and historic coastal defences, the walk has interesting flora as the raised beaches and shell sand allow cowslips and bluebells to thrive.

All in all a walk that has everything yet can easily be completed within a morning to be followed by a trip to Ardross Farm Shop and then a nice lunch and tour of the St. Andrews Farmhouse Cheese Company (try their Red Anster cheese). http://www.standrewscheese.co.uk/

We often exchange recipes with guests and Monique, from Holland, shared her recipe for mango and ginger jam. Mangoes were recently on a special offer in our local shop so we tried it. Delicious!Monique very kindly said we could share the recipe so here it is:

Monique’s Mango and ginger jam 4 ripe mangoes (weight of flesh was 1.25kg) 8 balls stem ginger in syrup (approx. weight 140g) Ginger syrup from jar Grated zest and juice of two lemons 500 ml water (0.5 L) 1 250 ml bottle liquid pectin (“Certo”), or use jam sugar instead. 1.25 kg granulated sugar Peel and cut up the mangoes, weigh the flesh (use about the same weight of sugar). Cut up the ginger into small pieces and add to the mango. Add the water and boil for about 5 minutes. Add the sugar and bring to the boil, boil until temperature reaches 103 C. Add the Pectin, bring back to the boil and boil to setting point (about 104 C). Test for set every 2 minutes. Pot into sterilised jars and lids. We got 9 x 250g jars.

She took away our recipe for brandy pudding (like a light sticky toffee pudding), and tried it back home where it has been very popular.

I'm afraid that the blog has been neglected lately; while we redecorate and re-furnish guest rooms and generally try to maintain the old place! Not that there isn't a lot to talk about.

There's the witches maze and new monument at Tullibole dedicated to their trials and their untimely cruel fate, the rare raised peat moss at nearby Portmoak and nearby Lochore Meadows all deserve mentions- it will be done!

Wanting a change from painting and decorating, we went to have a look at this magnificent steam train on its return from Aberdeen to Edinburgh via Leuchars and Kirkcaldy in Fife. We found a good viewing spot, just a few minutes drive away, near Falkland (another future blog topic, with its Royal Palace and walks!), Built in Doncaster in 1937 the LNER Class A4 Gresley locomotive is one of six and is currently operational throughout Britain. A magnificent sight with beautifully restored carriages. Based at Haymarket engine shed in Edinburgh, then in Aberdeen, she hauled the last booked steam train from Kings Cross in London to Edinburgh. Withdrawn from service in 1966, she was purchased by a local enthusiast she was based at the Lochty private railway in Fife (now closed). Now refurbished and re-boilered (14 boilers to date!) she re-entered service in mid 2012. Magnificent!

There is a lot of local railway history and many remnants of disused lines. Kinross was a thriving railway junction. With the main line from Edinburgh to Perth passing through South to North on up through Glenfarg across the River Earn to Perth. Some of the original route is now followed by the M90.From West to East the beautifully scenic 21km (13 mile) Devon Valley Railway, connected Alloa with Kinross.

Devon Valley Railway, bridge remains over the River Devon

Fully opened in 1871 (after a long, and troubled, construction) the line ran from Alloa to Kinross via Tillicoultry, Dollar, Rumbling Bridge (see my blog for 26th April 2012) Crook of Devon, and Balado. Remains are still substantial and part of the trackbed is now a path between Dollar and Alloa (pleasant, easy walking). Other, shorter, sections of trackbed are also path near Balado- just 2 km away.

Closed in 1964 the photos show cuttings and bridges near Arndean, Powmill; where there is also a spectacular viaduct (overgrown and difficult to access).

The quality of stone and ironwork was high, the illustration shows the cast iron work on a small farm bridge at Arndean

From Kinross a branch line went East from Mawcarse to Strathmiglo and then on to Ladybank in Fife. In February 1947, four locomotives pushing a snowplough were derailed as they battled through huge snowdrifts. There was another derailment near Mawcarse in 1949 (photo) ,killing the driver, the report is still available: http://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/documents/MoT_Strathmiglo1949.pdf

Industrial railways were also common in the area. The "pug" on the right is now in Lochore Meadows and was one of many used for coal and general haulage in the many coal mines of Fife. It now sits in the restored Meadows, where the sounds of heavy industry have been replaced by birdsong and children playing.

For more on Scottish railways, steam enthusiasts might like to take a trip on the Bo'ness and Kinneil Steam Railway and visit their museum, just a few miles from here on the other side of the Forth. http://www.srps.org.uk/railway/

Author

I'm Bob, I worked in the Scotch Whisky industry for over 30 years before retiring at the end of December 2011. I love cooking and meeting people from all over the world. We have a dog, Bertie, he's a blue roan cocker spaniel and helps me go for walks!!